These Are The Only Lip Balms You Need

Possibly one of the worst aspects of winter is its effect on our skin. I don't know about you but the cold weather combined with the dry air inside thanks to heaters just wreaks havoc on my face. I compensate by using a thicker moisturizer than usual, indulging in lots of hydrating sheet masks, and slathering on lip balm like it's my job. It's actually kind of crazy how many different lip balms I have scattered around my purse, my desk, my bedside table, and my car. I have good reason for it though. I love to wear matte lipstick and there's just no way I would be able to do that in the winter if I didn't have a decent lip balm around to smooth and prep my chapped lips. Plus, sometimes when I'm stressed out I find myself biting my lips if they're chapped, which makes them even worse and before I know it there's a cycle. So it's important to prevent the issue before it even starts, and when necessary, heal my lips as fast as possible.

My favorite kind of lip balm for this purpose is the kind that comes in a tin. Not only are they super cute, but they're usually very thick and concentrated. There's nothing I love more than opening a fresh tin full of hydrating, healing lip balm.

So here's a list of my top four favorite lip balms in tins! Some are more fragranced than others, some are thick and waxy while others are lighter, and they vary in price as well, so hopefully there's something here for everyone.

1. TokyoMilk Dark Femme Fatale Lip Elixir

TokyoMilk Dark Femme Fatale Lip Elixir, $7, Sephora

TokyoMilk is one of my favorite beauty brands because everything they make, from lotions and perfumes to candles, has an amazing and unique fragrance. Plus they're quite affordable, and the packaging is always beautiful. I've had these two Lip Elixirs for years now. There's so much product in each $7 tin, and a little goes a long way. There are six scents in all: Clove Cigarette, Salted Caramel, La Vie En Rose, Coco Noir, Absinthe, and Cherry Bourbon. I have Clove Cigarette and Salted Caramel, and both are very strongly fragranced. Salted Caramel smells extremely sugary, while Clove Cigarettes also has a touch of sweetness to it along with the sexy smoky scent.

The consistency of these balms is similar to Vaseline but a bit waxier. They're definitely thick enough for the driest of lips, plus you'll enjoy the scent for ages. Sometimes I put some on my cuticles as well.

2. Le Couvent des Minimes Smile Lip Balm

Le Couvent des Minimes Smile Lip Balm, $13, Amazon

This lip balm smells and tastes exactly like honey! Le Couvent des Minimes is a natural skincare brand that makes beautiful products, in terms of both packaging and ingredients. Their Smile Lip Balm comes in a small but sturdy glass jar. It has a thinner, more buttery consistency than most waxy lip balms; it melts right into your lips, making them feel moisturized immediately. Of course you'll have a hard time not licking it off right away.

3. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Intensive Lip Balm

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Intensive Lip Balm, $20, Sephora

This is an extremely concentrated lip balm that is made with natural ingredients like beeswax, honey, and colloidal oatmeal. It's so dense that you really have to press your finger or lips firmly into the balm to warm it up and soften it for use. I put my lips right into the balm and as you can see above, I've barely made a dent so far. It has a faint, almost minty scent that's hard to describe (but certainly not overpowering) and tingles lightly on the lips at first. This is a healing balm that you need to use if you have extremely rough, chapped lips in the winter. Put it on overnight and you'll wake up with smooth, soft lips.

4. Fresh Sugar Nourishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy

Fresh Sugar Nourishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy, $30, Sephora

This lip balm is much creamier than the previous one so it will impart more of a sheen to your lips. I love the minty smell and flavor and the way it feels on my lips: a little slippery and hydrating without being too thick or gooey. My lips feel better right away with this lip balm on. I even like the pretty pink color (although it goes on sheer). Like every Fresh product, this lip balm is just really enjoyable to use.

Images: Kelly Dougher